Ripon’s Leading Ladies: Good Karma is at the heart of Liz’s inspirational business
In October Liz and Kevin Hill will celebrate the landmark tenth anniversary of their colourful and captivating Kirkgate store 🎉🌿
Karma, a Boho boutique and gift shop which sells a range of ethically‑sourced own‑brand clothing and accessories, exudes calm and peace — just what you’d expect from a woman who is also a leading exponent of Yoga Nidra guided meditation 🧘♀️💫, which induces deep physical and mental relaxation.
Liz has a worldwide following on her YouTube channel @lizzyhill222 where her 20‑minute video has attracted a staggering 18 million views and counting 🌍📺.
Keeping calm in Covid 🌧️➡️🌈
But even the calmest and most relaxed of people with businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors across Ripon, the UK and worldwide, were severely challenged by the unexpected hammer blow of the Covid pandemic that struck in March 2020.
Liz and Kevin aimed to maintain their own morale — and that of passers‑by on largely empty city streets — with messages of hope written on the shop’s windows ✨. One read: ‘You can’t have rainbows without the rain’ 🌈.
Fortunately, the couple weathered the storm and Liz told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog: “Being closed for so long was a bit scary, but the people of Ripon were amazing and kept us going by ordering online or by phone and I would drop off their goodies… it was so lovely to see regular faces — albeit behind masks and two metres away!” 😷💛
What goes around comes around 🔄✨
With Covid now in the rear‑view mirror and eyes on the milestone tenth anniversary of trading in the city, it looks like Good Karma — defined as the spiritual result of positive, intentional actions, thoughts, and kindness — has truly prevailed for Liz and Kevin 🙏💖.
A good place to be 🏡💛
Turning the clock back to 2016, what was it that made the couple decide to open their distinctive business in the city?
Liz pointed out: “The shop was offered to me and I hadn’t been into Ripon for a long time. I came to look and fell in love with Kirkgate and Ripon in general.” 💕
After falling for the ancient street which links the historic Market Square with the stunning façade of the cathedral — visible right from Karma’s doorway ⛪ — Liz soon found a warm welcome from owners of other independent businesses.
A supportive independent business community 🤝🌟
She said: “The business community of Ripon are very supportive and I love the way ideas are shared and then events created off the back of them. We have such a varied selection of amazing businesses and we can direct people to where they will find what they are looking for. Visitors love that. I give them a Ripon map with all the businesses on and make suggestions from food and drink to gifts and groceries.” 🗺️🍽️🎁
Working in partnership 🌿🏨
Liz added: “Various events have been created on Kirkgate alongside other independent businesses. The main one being the Yoga & Wellness event, which this year was a collaboration between Karma and The Old Deanery owners Rebecca and Chris Layton, to coincide with International Yoga Day.”
“In 2025, with the tremendous support we received from Ripon BID, our inaugural event was held on Kirkgate Park, but this June our move to the magnificent Jacobean Deanery building with its fabulous gardens 🌳 gave the additional space needed for local businesses and wellbeing practitioners to showcase their skills and products.”
Building on success 🌞🧘♂️
“We attracted in excess of 800 people of all ages and experience — from newcomers to regular Yoga class attendees — who took part in the exercise and meditation sessions.”
“For 2027 The Old Deanery will again be hosting our event and we are planning for it to be even bigger. We recommend that would‑be attendees keep an eye on the Karma Facebook page.” 📱✨
Almost ten years after Liz and Kevin opened Karma’s doors, the couple’s stylish operation has been embraced by fellow businesses and a growing number of regular customers 💛.
A friendly community with good vibe ✨😊
Liz said: “We are blessed as Ripon has a very friendly community and vibe which visitors see and love. Parking is easy and cheap, we have great eateries that attract people to the city, as well as having the BID who sponsor many events and are as supportive as they can be.”
She added: “The only thing I would change is making Kirkgate pedestrianised, which would allow us to have more events without having to pay for the road closures. The events have been very popular and bring people into Ripon. You only have to look at the success of Ripon Theatre Festival — the whole city becomes alive with excitement and fun, it’s so wonderful to be a part of it 🎭💫.”
Destination Ripon 📍🌟
Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst said: “In addition to Liz’s Yoga followers on YouTube, Karma has regular customers from the northeast, Scotland, Lancashire, Derbyshire and, of course, the broad acres of Yorkshire. This, combined with online overseas customers, has seen Liz and Kevin skilfully using social media to promote their superb products and services to an ever‑increasing audience.” 🌍💻
Lilla added: “As a destination business, Karma attracts people who visit Ripon specifically to go to Liz and Kevin’s shop, bringing spin‑off benefits to other businesses in the city.” 🛍️➡️🏙️
